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May 19, 2010

Republicans outpace opponents in Knox

The Times-Tribune

CORBIN — By Becky Manley / Staff Writer

Incumbent Republicans in three key Knox County races far outpaced their opposition in Tuesday’s primary election.

According to unofficial election results, Judge-Executive J.M. Hall, Clerk Mike Corey and Sheriff John Pickard enjoyed comfortable margins over their challengers. 

Hall took 3,435 votes over challengers Mike Eversole with 1,091 votes, Don “Doc” Gray with 625 votes and Joe Woolum with 313 votes.

When asked what he thought gave him an edge in the election, Hall, who is seeking a second term, pointed to the county’s financial stability, talking about how the county pays off expenses as they are incurred and the reopening of the county’s jail.

In the November general election, Hall will face Democratic challenger Doyle Gibson, who took 1,072 votes over fellow Democrats Michael Warren, who had 802 votes, and Ford Collett, who had 141 votes.

“I knew it was going to be a race from the start,” Gibson said about Warren’s campaign.

When asked if he feels confident about his chances in the fall election, Gibson — who is currently a Knox County magistrate — talked about Knox voters and their historical resistance to re-electing incumbent judge-executives.

Corey, who took 4,013 votes over challenger Tip Smith’s 1,433 votes, admitted he was concerned about the primary since he believed he may not have campaigned enough due to the duties of his office.

“This is a very demanding job,” Corey said.

Pickard took 4,421 votes over opponent Gary “Hammer” Jackson who had 946 votes.

Based on what he heard from members of the community, Pickard said he felt confident about what Tuesday’s outcome would be.

Pickard said he believes the community appreciates the priority he places on putting extra patrols on the county’s roads despite his department’s lack of manpower.

In the fall election, Pickard will face Democrat Sherman Lawson, who took 1,393 votes in the primary over Brian Senters’ 588.

Lawson said he was confident about his chances in the primary and he expects a close race against Pickard in November.

All of the winners said their challengers waged good, clean campaigns and most said they are ready to begin their efforts for the fall election.

“We’re going to start in the morning campaigning for the fall,” Hall said.

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